Joanne Lenehan is the Kindgergarten/Grade 1 Teacher at Debec Elementary School. She was kind enough to open her classroom up to me for my first teaching internship. She provided me with numerous resources and opportunities and helped me gain critical teaching experience and confidence.

Jean Collicot was my St. Thomas Faculty Advisor. Jean visited with me in the K-1 classroom every week to do an evaluation.

Larry Graham is the Principal of Debec Elementary School. Larry was extremely welcoming to me and made me feel like one of his staff members by including me in all of hte staffing events and encouraging me to start up clubs by providing resources and assistance when required.



The following is a reference letter from Ray Williams:

Fredericton, New Brunswick
Canada E3B 5G3

Department of Education Tel: (506) 452-9589
Brian Mulroney Hall Fax: (506) 452-0611



May 20, 2011


To Whom It May Concern:


I am very pleased to provide you with a letter of reference for Chesley Nicholson, a graduate of the St. Thomas University Bachelor of Education. Chelsey was a student in three of my classes [School Law (A-), Teacher Ethics & Professional Conduct (A) and Shared Leadership (A)]. The strength of her grades is a testament to her serious attitude, strong work ethic and academic ability. Her performance in Shared Leadership is worthy of further comment since, as the title indicates, this is a course that focuses on teacher leadership and collaborative skills and is built on a teaming model that prepares our students for the expectations they will face as elementary teachers. Chelsey was a member of the most productive and effective team in the class. Her team’s success was due, in part, to the consistent, supportive and focused ‘can-do’ attitude that she brought to her team’s meetings.

During my personal conversations about her internship placements I could see that Chesley enjoys working with elementary students and cares deeply about them. She is willing to give her time outside the classroom to provide additional academic assistance and to volunteer with student activities. If your school is looking for a confident, creative, collaborative and capable teacher who will become a leader within your staff, you need look no further. As a retired principal myself, I would be searching for a candidate who brings as much to our profession as Chelsey has to offer.



Sincerely,

Raymond B. Williams, Ed. D.
Associate Professor, Education
St. Thomas University